Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the clear vision of Francisca Darts. Along with her husband Edwin, Francisca took a logged piece of land, turned it first into an award winning orchard and then into the unique garden that is Darts Hill today.
Francisca’s curiosity and love of the new and interesting has resulted in the most diverse collection of mature tree and shrub species in the Pacific Northwest. Many were planted from seed collected from around the world.
In 1994 Edwin and Francisca Darts donated their 7.5-acre garden to the City of Surrey and its citizens. Their intention was to give Surrey its own garden to be used as a horticultural centre for the preservation, enhancement, and development of plants. The non-profit Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society works in partnership with the City of Surrey towards these goals.
Experience the fall beauty of Darts Hill Garden Park. You’ll enjoy late-blooming perennials, shrubs, and trees; a bounty of weird and wonderful fruits and nuts; and spectacular fall colour.
Public Openings. After a late-summer closure, our regular weekend public openings resume in September. Explore the garden during one of our Garden Strolls, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Or visit during October on our Fall Open House, scheduled October 21 from 11 to 3. Please check out our events calendar for further details and confirmation of all openings.
Tours. Director’s Tours are scheduled most Fridays from 1:15 to 3:00 p.m. from September 1 to December 8 (with the exception of October 6 and 13). Our garden director will be delighted to escort you around the garden and also provide some time for you to explore on your own. Or for a truly customized experience, bring your own group of five or more for a two-hour Guided Tour, conducted by one of our experienced guides. Pre-registration is required for all tours. Visit our tours section to learn more.
Memberships. For additional openings and the opportunity to fully enjoy and contribute to this exceptional plantsman’s garden, please consider the advantages of becoming a member. Learn more here.
Follow the Garden’s extraordinary history from its start in the 1940s to its donation to the City of Surrey.
